When you are suffering with tendon, muscle, or joint pain, an orthopedic doctor will play an important role in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. Dr. Stephen Soffer provides cutting-edge orthopedic care to patients throughout Berks County.
As a board certified orthopedic surgeon and a leading expert in advanced arthroscopic techniques, Dr. Soffer provides individualized care to people of all ages with a focus on minimally-invasive techniques and treatments. His ultimate goal is to minimize pain, maximize function and restore lifestyle.
After earning his medical degree, Dr. Soffer completed a Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship with world famous orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James R. Andrews, and is also board certified in the subspecialty of orthopedic sports medicine.
He has vast experience treating sports injuries including the open and arthroscopic treatment of knee, shoulder and elbow injuries. He also performs artificial joint replacement for arthritis of the knee, shoulder and hip.
Common Sports Injuries
Many people – young and old – play sports in some way or another, whether it’s for fun in the backyard or competitively on a team. This kind of exercise can be very beneficial to your health, but the benefits can often be overshadowed by injury. The severity of these injuries can range from minor to very serious, with some injuries requiring surgery to fully heal.
Here are some of the most common sports-related injuries:
Strains and Sprains – Strains are injuries to the muscle fibers or tendons that anchor muscles to bones. They are usually the result of overuse or overstretching. Common strains involve groin and thigh strains in hockey, soccer, football or baseball, and hamstring strains in track and field sports or waterskiing. Tennis elbow (epicondylitis) can irritate or make tiny tears in the tendons of the elbow and are a common complaint of golfers and tennis players. Sprains occur in all types of sports when a ligament (a band of tissue that connects bones in a joint) tears or overstretches. They are common in wrists, ankles and knees, and can be minor or severe.
Knee Injuries – At least 5 million people every year visit orthopedic surgeons to repair knee-related injuries. Mild knee injuries include conditions such as runner’s knee (tenderness at the front of the kneecap) and tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon). More severe injuries involve damage to cartilage and ligaments. One of the most common knee injuries is damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Another is called patellofemoral syndrome which can damage the tissue under the kneecap. Running, volleyball, and basketball commonly set it off.
Elbow Injuries – During baseball season, we frequently see damage or tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is an injury caused by pitchers throwing too much. This ligament is the main stabilizer of the elbow for the motions of pitching. When it becomes damaged, it can be difficult to repair and rehabilitate.
Shin Splints – Shin splints are common with runners, causing pains down the front of the lower legs. Failing to warm up or stretch, improper running techniques, and running in shoes that don’t provide proper support can all contribute to shin splints.
Dislocations – Dislocations occur when the bones that form a joint have slipped out of their normal position. Aside from putting the bone back in place, severe damage can occur to the connective tissue surrounding the joint. Dislocation can occur in any joint, but is most common in fingers, hands and shoulders. It most often occurs in contact sports, such as football and basketball.
Don’t let an injury or other condition stop you from participating in an activity you love. If you need an orthopedic doctor in Berks County, feel free to call our offices today at 610-375-4949.
